Frankenstein Frame Story

Mary Shelly tells her story "Frankenstein" in the format of a frame story. While I'm not yet sure the purpose of the frame story, I am sure it will have significant impact on the story. Two separate stories are told, that of a ship navigator, and that of a scientist. They each share similar characteristics. Frankenstein is a scientist who wants to create new life. His goal is to bring from death new life. Likewise, Walton hopes to be the first to find a path to the North Pole. He also hopes that he can discover how magnetism works at the pole. Both of these people have different careers, yet both have similar goals. They both want to achieve what has not yet been achieved. The frame makes the story interesting, because both of the stories within the frame are interesting. The story with in the story begins with "Strange and harrowing must be his story frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it--thus! (14). The frame story makes the story interesting, and makes the reader wonder how the frame will relate to the story.